By Mercy Darko
The NPP Government has laid, over the past 7 years, the foundation for the creation and sustenance of businesses, jobs and other opportunities for Ghanaian youth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is anchored on digitalisation, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has declared.
With over 18 million Ghanaian residents issued Ghana Cards (unique identity), implementation of a National Digital Property Address System (unique location), implementation of Mobile Money Interoperability (ensuring financial inclusion), integration of the databases of the Births and Deaths Registry, Ghana Health Service and the National Identification Authority (ensuring authenticity of source documents), and the upcoming rollout of a Credit Scoring system, all is set for Ghanaian youth to fully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Dr Bawumia, who is also the NPP Presidential Candidate, stated on Monday.
Dr Bawumia, who was speaking at the 2024 edition of the International Youth Day held at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, said Government is committed to expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring that no one is left behind in this digital revolution while creating jobs for the youth of Ghana.
“As leaders, it is our responsibility to empower, support, and amplify your voices by creating opportunities for participation, providing access to education and resources, and promoting an environment where our gallant youth can thrive.
“Our government has been dedicated to these efforts over the past seven years, through various digitalisation initiatives that are yielding positive results in every aspect of our socio-economic lives.
“Since 2017, our government has focused on transforming Ghana into a digital powerhouse, with a strong emphasis on economic growth, transparency, and inclusivity. Key initiatives include the National Identification System (Ghana Card) and the National Digital Property Address System (Ghana Post GPS). These innovations have simplified access to public services and economic participation.
“The Ghana Card now covers all citizens, including newborns, streamlining the provision of essential services such as health and education. Additionally, we have digitalized public services like passport and driver’s license applications through efficient online platforms. This advancement not only improves accessibility for the tech-savvy population but also enhances transparency, reduces delays, and ensures effective revenue collection.
“These efforts collectively support Ghana’s transition to a more digitally integrated and economically resilient society,” he pointed out.
To bridge the gaps in digital literacy and opportunities for learning and growth, Government had taken several steps to provide the necessary logistics to schools, including the provision of free wifi in Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions.
“We live in a world facing challenges like inequality, climate change, and social injustice. Despite these issues, I remain optimistic. Our youth in Ghana have shown remarkable enthusiasm for digital technologies, using them for entrepreneurship and innovation.
To close the gaps in digital literacy and limited opportunities to participate in the digital economy, government is committed to providing the logistics and enabling environment to empower the youth.
“Initiatives such as distributing 1.3 million free computer tablets to Senior High School students, providing free WiFi in schools, and expanding telephony services under the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, are steps toward a more connected and digitally inclusive future, especially for our youth.
“By prioritising education and connectivity, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, digitally-driven future for our nation. In the immediate future, from under my government, from January 2025, by the grace of God, we plan to train 1 million youth to create a digital workforce of one million people.
“This digitally trained young people will revolutionise key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance, and the opportunities available will be global.
“Our goal is to enable the Ghanaian youth to conduct business and collaborate remotely, both locally and globally, enhancing connectivity and economic growth.”
Expressing confidence in the can-do spirit of the Ghanaian, especially when coupled with a mindset of possibilities, Dr Bawumia said the future of Ghana can only be bright.
“We have laid the foundations and provided the infrastructure. The Ghanaian youth have shown their ingenuity in the digital space, and they have proved that they have what it takes to compete globally. I believe they will take full advantage and compete favourably in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is possible!.”
